Several rounds of applause and a standing ovation left Vilas 8th graders, their teachers and principal smiling after a presentation about solar cars to the New Hampshire State Board of Education meeting on Tuesday. 

Technology teacher Karen Brown's class have spent several weeks studying gear ratios, researching and testing solar panels, and building solar cars.  Students explained to members of the State Board the goals and objectives related to the project and then demonstrated how four of the cars worked.  One board member asked if the students had tested their cars in a drag race.  The 8th graders quickly responded that their objective was to have their cars climb a ramp. 

The students were also visited by Governor John Lynch before their presentation.  He asked them numerous questions including, "How do you think New Hampshire can use solar power?"